Related Links: Early Involvement Improves Contractor Understanding of Green Priorities Super-Sustainable Bullitt Center Is ENR Editors' Top Choice for 2013 The construction industry is focusing more of its resources on how buildings affect the health and well-being of their occupants. The rise of sustainability has played an important role in this trend.New research by McGraw Hill Construction (MHC) reveals an industry-wide commitment to improve the "healthy impacts" of buildings and a few significant disconnects between owners and contractors about those impacts. The research includes opinions from owners, contractors, architects, human-resource professionals, medical professionals, homeowners and homebuilders. It was published in
Related Links: Full Research Report CBQ Infographic: Practices Found Most Effective to Increasing Productivity Safety-Incentive Programs Questioned Behavior-Based Safety Programs Can Keep Ambulances Away Safety management practices are of particular importance to today's construction industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that construction worker fatalities declined 23% from 2008 to 2011, representing 235 fewer fatalities. However, with McGraw Hill Construction Dodge construction starts showing a 21% decrease during this same time, it's unclear whether the industry is making true strides toward improved safety.The good news is that the industry is reporting significant benefits resulting from safety management programs. Research
A clear trend around the world is a shift to doing green building out of business, rather than environmental and social, motives (above). In 2012, 89% of the survey's respondents had installed or specified green buildings products (below). Related Links: For more data and intelligence on green building around the world, download the full World Green Building Trends SmartMarket Report. The picture on green building is getting clearer: Green building is growing around the world and quickly becoming an industry standard. A new research study conducted by McGraw-Hill Construction on global green building trends demonstrates that green building is well
Related Links: ENR: Nullifying Water Damage to Mobile Devices ENR: Surge in New Mobile Apps for the Industry Mobile technology and tools are becoming an increasingly ubiquitous part of society, extending beyond personal convenience to important business uses. Construction is no exception, with mobile tools serving as a critical link between jobsites and the main office.The important research reviewed below demonstrates a prolific application of mobile tools today, with 93% of a representative sample of general contractors and subcontractors using some sort of mobile device on their construction sites. The industry is already reporting productivity benefits from these tools, including